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نابینا

B1 adjective 10 min read

نابینا

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips نابینا in 30 Seconds

Explanation نابینا in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'nabina' as a basic adjective to describe a person. Think of it as a simple label like 'tall' or 'happy.' You might use it in very short sentences like 'The man is blind' (An mard nabina ast). At this stage, focus on the pronunciation (na-bi-na) and recognize that it is a polite word. You don't need to worry about complex grammar, just remember that the 'na' at the beginning means 'not.'

At the A2 level, you start to use 'nabina' with the Ezafe to describe people in more detail. For example, 'a blind student' (yek daneshjuye nabina). You should also learn the word for the tool they use: 'asa-ye sefid' (white cane). You can start making sentences about what blind people do, like 'He uses a computer' (U az kampiyuter estefade mikonad). You are also introduced to the plural form 'nabinayan' which you might see on signs.

At the B1 level, you should be able to discuss the lives and challenges of blind people. You can use 'nabina' in sentences that explain cause and effect, such as 'Because he is blind, he reads Braille.' You should also learn the noun 'nabinayi' (blindness) and the polite alternative 'rowshandel.' At this level, you are expected to understand the word when you hear it in news reports or see it in short articles about social welfare in Iran.

At the B2 level, you use 'nabina' in more abstract and formal contexts. You can participate in a debate about city accessibility for 'nabinayan' or discuss the portrayal of blind characters in Iranian cinema. You understand the nuance between 'nabina' and 'kur' and know when to use each. You can also use the word in complex grammatical structures, such as passive sentences or conditional clauses ('If the city were more accessible, blind people could travel easier').

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word's etymology and its place in Persian literature. You can analyze how the concept of 'blindness' is used metaphorically in classical poetry versus modern prose. You are comfortable using 'nabina' in academic or professional settings, such as writing a report on ophthalmology or disability rights. You also know rare or archaic synonyms and can explain the social evolution of the term 'nabina' over the last century.

At the C2 level, you use 'nabina' with the precision of a native speaker. You can catch subtle puns or wordplay involving the root 'bin' (seeing). You can write sophisticated essays on the philosophy of perception, using 'nabina' as a central concept. You are also aware of the most obscure idioms and can navigate even the most sensitive social situations involving the visually impaired with perfect linguistic grace and cultural awareness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

نابینا in 30 Seconds

Nabina means 'blind' in Persian and is the most polite and standard term used today.
It is a compound of 'na' (not) and 'bin' (root of 'to see'), literally 'un-seeing'.
Always use 'nabina' instead of 'kur' when speaking to or about people to be respectful.
The plural 'nabinayan' is common in public signs and official government announcements.

The Persian word نابینا (nābinā) is the standard, polite, and formal term for 'blind' or 'visually impaired.' Etymologically, it is a compound word consisting of the negative prefix 'nā-' (meaning 'non' or 'un-') and the present stem of the verb 'to see' ('didan'), which is 'bin', followed by the adjective-forming suffix '-ā'. Therefore, it literally translates to 'one who does not see.' This term is used across all registers of the Persian language, from medical journals and news reports to daily polite conversation. It is significantly more respectful than the older, more blunt term کور (kur), which, while still used in idiomatic expressions or informal contexts, can sometimes carry a derogatory or insensitive undertone in modern social settings.

Clinical Context: In a medical or official capacity, nābinā refers to a person who has total loss of vision. For those with partial sight, the term کم‌بینا (kam-binā) is used. When filling out government forms or reading health brochures in Iran, you will exclusively see these terms used to describe visual disabilities.
Social Etiquette: When addressing or speaking about someone who is blind, nābinā is the safe and educated choice. However, in very formal or poetic contexts, Iranians often use the beautiful euphemism روشندل (rowshandel), which literally means 'enlightened heart.' This reflects a cultural perspective that while the eyes may not see, the heart and mind possess a different kind of light.

بسیاری از افراد نابینا از خط بریل برای مطالعه استفاده می‌کنند.
Translation: Many blind individuals use Braille for studying.

Understanding the morphology of nābinā helps learners grasp a larger pattern in Persian. The prefix nā- is incredibly productive. Just as nābinā means 'un-seeing,' nāshnavā means 'un-hearing' (deaf), and nāpak means 'un-pure' (unclean). By learning this one word, you are actually learning a grammatical rule that unlocks hundreds of other adjectives. In contemporary Iranian society, there is a strong movement towards accessibility, and you will often hear the word nābinā in discussions regarding 'shahr-e dastras' (accessible city) initiatives, such as the installation of tactile paving on sidewalks, which are specifically designed for nābināyān (the plural form).

The word also appears in metaphorical contexts, though less frequently than its English counterpart. While English speakers say 'blinded by love,' Persian might use specific verbal constructions, but nābinā remains the primary descriptor for the physical state. Interestingly, the Persian word for 'blindness' is nābināyi, formed by adding the suffix -i. This transformation is consistent across most Persian adjectives turned into abstract nouns. Mastery of this word signifies a transition from basic survival Persian to a more nuanced, empathetic, and professional level of communication.

Using نابینا (nābinā) in a sentence follows the standard rules of Persian syntax, where adjectives typically follow the noun they describe, connected by the Ezafe (the short 'e' sound). However, it can also function as a substantive noun, meaning 'a blind person' or 'the blind.' When used as a noun, it follows standard pluralization rules, becoming نابینایان (nābināyān) in formal contexts or نابیناها (nābinā-hā) in more casual speech.

Attributive Usage (Adjective): When describing someone, place the word after the noun: "mard-e nābinā" (the blind man). Note the Ezafe linking 'mard' and 'nābinā'.
Predicative Usage (Subject Complement): When saying 'is blind,' it comes before the verb: "u nābinā ast" (He/She is blind). In spoken Persian, this often shortens to "u nābinā-ye".

آن نویسنده از بدو تولد نابینا بود.
Translation: That author was blind from birth.

One of the most common sentence patterns involves the use of assistive tools. For example, "nābināyān az asā-ye sefid estefāde mikonand" (Blind people use white canes). Here, nābināyān acts as the subject. Another common pattern is the phrase "motevalled-e nābinā" (born blind), which is used in medical and biographical descriptions. If you are describing a situation where someone becomes blind later in life, you would use the verb shodan (to become): "u dar asar-e hādese nābinā shod" (He became blind due to an accident).

In more complex sentences, nābinā can be part of a relative clause. For instance, "Kasi ke nābinā ast, donyā rā motafāvet dark mikonad" (Someone who is blind perceives the world differently). This word is also essential for discussing human rights and accessibility. You might encounter sentences like "Hagh-e tahsil barāye nābināyān bayad mahayā shavad" (The right to education for the blind must be provided). Understanding these structures allows you to engage in meaningful social and humanitarian dialogues in Persian.

The word نابینا (nābinā) is ubiquitous in Iranian public life, particularly in the context of social services and public announcements. If you are traveling in Tehran or other major cities, you will see the word on signs near metro stations or on sidewalks where tactile paths are installed. These paths are often referred to as "masir-e vij-eye nābināyān" (special path for the blind). Public transportation announcements may also mention facilities or assistance available for nābināyān.

On the News and Media: Radio and television programs in Iran frequently feature segments on the achievements of blind athletes, musicians, and scholars. In these broadcasts, nābinā is the standard term used by presenters. You might hear about the 'National Day of the Blind' (Ruz-e Asā-ye Sefid), which is widely recognized and celebrated in Iranian media to raise awareness.
Educational Institutions: In universities and schools, you will hear this word when discussing 'Sāzmān-e Behzisti' (The Welfare Organization), which provides services for the disabled. Phrases like "ketābkhāne-ye nābināyān" (library for the blind) are common in academic settings.

ایستگاه مترو دارای علائم برجسته برای مسافران نابینا است.
Translation: The metro station has tactile signs for blind passengers.

In literature and cinema, nābinā often carries a weight of profound characterization. One of the most famous Iranian films, 'The Color of Paradise' (Rang-e Khodā) by Majid Majidi, tells the story of a young nābinā boy. Throughout the film, the word and its implications are explored deeply, showing how the protagonist 'sees' the world through sound and touch. Hearing the word in such a cinematic context emphasizes its emotional and descriptive power beyond just a medical label.

Finally, in the digital world, Persian websites and apps are increasingly incorporating accessibility features. You will see settings for "safhe-khān barāye nābināyān" (screen readers for the blind). Hearing this word in tech contexts shows its modernization and continued relevance in the 21st century. Whether it's a robotic voice on a phone or a formal speech by a government official, nābinā is the term that bridges the gap between clinical reality and social inclusion.

Learning to use نابینا (nābinā) correctly involves avoiding several common pitfalls that English speakers or beginner Persian learners often fall into. The most significant mistake is using the word کور (kur) in situations where it might be offensive. While kur is a direct translation of 'blind,' it is often used in slang or insults (e.g., "magar kuri?" meaning 'Are you blind?' as a way to say 'Can't you see what's in front of you?'). Using nābinā ensures that you remain respectful and avoid unintentional rudeness.

Confusing Adjective and Noun Forms: In English, we often say 'the blind' to refer to the group. In Persian, you cannot just say "nābinā" to mean the whole group; you must pluralize it to "nābināyān". Saying "nābinā be komak niyāz dārad" sounds like you are talking about one specific, unidentified blind person, rather than the community as a whole.
Incorrect Prefix Usage: Some learners attempt to use 'bi-' (another negative prefix) instead of 'nā-', resulting in 'bibin'. This is incorrect. While bi- is common (e.g., bisavād for illiterate), for vision, nā- is the fixed and only correct prefix.

اشتباه: او یک مرد کور مهربان است.
درست: او یک مرد نابینای مهربان است.
Note: Use 'nabina' for a more respectful tone.

Another mistake is failing to distinguish between 'blind' and 'visually impaired' (low vision). If someone wears very thick glasses but can still see, calling them nābinā is factually incorrect and might be confusing. In such cases, کم‌بینا (kam-binā) is the appropriate term. Furthermore, learners often forget the Ezafe when the word is followed by another adjective. For example, 'a famous blind person' is "nābinā-ye mashhur", not "nābinā mashhur".

Finally, avoid overusing the word in metaphorical senses until you are very comfortable with the language. While 'love is blind' translates to "eshgh kur ast" (using 'kur' here is idiomatic and correct!), using nābinā in that specific proverb would sound unnatural. Learning which word for 'blind' fits the literal vs. the metaphorical context is a key step in reaching B2 and C1 proficiency levels in Persian.

While نابینا (nābinā) is the most standard term, Persian offers several alternatives depending on the desired level of formality, poetic intent, or medical precision. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation and better understand the rich tapestry of the Persian vocabulary.

نابینا vs. کور (Kur): کور is the oldest term. It is used in idioms like "گره کور" (a dead knot/impossible problem) or "موش کور" (mole). However, when referring to people, it is now considered somewhat blunt or clinical, similar to the shift from 'crippled' to 'disabled' in English.
نابینا vs. روشندل (Rowshandel): روشندل is a highly respectful, euphemistic term. It is frequently used in media and by charities. It implies that the person has spiritual or intellectual 'sight' despite their physical blindness. It is the most 'polite' option available.
نابینا vs. کم‌بینا (Kam-binā): کم‌بینا means 'low vision' or 'partially sighted.' It is a compound of 'kam' (little/low) and 'binā'. This is an important distinction in medical and educational settings.

در این انجمن، هم افراد نابینا و هم افراد کم‌بینا عضو هستند.
Translation: In this association, both blind and low-vision individuals are members.

Other related terms include نابینای مطلق (nābinā-ye motlagh), which means 'totally blind,' often used in legal or insurance documents to specify the degree of disability. For temporary blindness or being 'dazzled' by light, one might use the verb "chashm khire shodan" rather than the adjective nābinā. There is also the term شب‌کور (shab-kur), which specifically means 'night-blind,' referring to the inability to see in low light.

In summary, while nābinā is your 'workhorse' word for blindness, being aware of rowshandel and kam-binā allows you to navigate Iranian social and professional environments with greater sensitivity and precision. The Persian language values these distinctions, as they reflect the speaker's education and level of respect for others.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"جناب عالی، این کتاب برای نابینایان مناسب است."

Neutral

"آن مرد نابینا به کمک نیاز دارد."

Informal

"دوستم از بچگی نابینا بوده."

Child friendly

"ببین، آن آقا نابینا است و سگش به او کمک می‌کند."

Slang

"مگه نابینایی؟ (Are you blind? - Rude)"

Fun Fact

The root 'bin' is the same root found in the English word 'vision' if you trace them back far enough to their Proto-Indo-European roots (*weid-), which also gave us 'wit' and 'video'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /nɒːbiːnɒː/

US /nɑːbiːnɑː/

The primary stress is on the final syllable '-nā'.

Rhymes With

دانا (dānā - wise) توانا (tavānā - powerful) بینا (bīnā - sighted) خوانا (khvānā - readable) پیدا (peydā - visible) گویا (guyā - expressive) پویا (puyā - dynamic) روا (ravā - permissible)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'nā' like the English word 'nay'. It should be a deep 'ah' sound.
Putting the stress on the first syllable 'NĀ-bi-na'. In Persian, adjectives usually have final stress.
Pronouncing 'bin' like English 'bin'. It should be 'been' with a long 'i' sound.
Failing to pronounce the final 'ā' clearly, making it sound like 'nabin'.
Over-emphasizing the 'n' in the middle.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know the prefix 'na-' and root 'bin'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'y' buffer in the plural 'nabinayan'.

Speaking 2/5

Simple three-syllable word with clear vowels.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick out in a sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

دیدن (to see) چشم (eye) نه (no/not) آدم (person)

Learn Next

ناشنوا (deaf) معلول (disabled) توانبخشی (rehabilitation) بصیرت (insight)

Advanced

دستیار صوتی (voice assistant) خط برجسته (embossed script) شبکیه (retina)

Grammar to Know

The prefix 'nā-' for negation.

نادرست (incorrect), نادان (ignorant)

Adjective-forming suffix '-ā'.

بینا (sighted), شنوا (hearing)

Ezafe connecting nouns and adjectives.

مردِ نابینا (the blind man)

Pluralizing with '-ān' for humans.

نابینایان (blind people)

The buffer 'y' between 'ā' and 'ān'.

نابینا + ان = نابینایان

Examples by Level

آن مرد نابینا است.

That man is blind.

Simple subject + adjective + verb 'to be'.

او یک دوست نابینا دارد.

He has a blind friend.

Adjective follows the noun with Ezafe.

سگ راهنما برای فرد نابینا است.

The guide dog is for the blind person.

'Baraye' (for) followed by the noun phrase.

کتاب نابینا کجاست؟

Where is the blind person's book?

Possessive Ezafe construction.

مادر من نابینا نیست.

My mother is not blind.

Negative form of 'ast' is 'nist'.

آیا شما نابینا هستید؟

Are you blind?

Interrogative sentence structure.

این یک عصای نابینا است.

This is a blind person's cane.

Using 'in' (this) as a demonstrative pronoun.

برادرم نابینا به دنیا آمد.

My brother was born blind.

Adjective used as a state during birth.

نابینایان از خط بریل استفاده می‌کنند.

Blind people use Braille.

Plural subject 'nabinayan' with the suffix '-an'.

من به یک پیرمرد نابینا کمک کردم.

I helped an old blind man.

Compound verb 'komak kardan' with 'be'.

مدرسه مخصوص کودکان نابینا در تهران است.

The special school for blind children is in Tehran.

'Makhsus-e' (special for) creates a complex noun phrase.

او با یک عصای سفید نابینا راه می‌رود.

He walks with a blind person's white cane.

Prepositional phrase 'ba' (with).

آیا کتاب‌های صوتی برای نابینایان مفید است؟

Are audiobooks useful for the blind?

Adjective 'mofid' (useful) describing the subject.

او یک نویسنده نابینای مشهور است.

He is a famous blind writer.

Multiple adjectives follow the noun.

ما باید به حقوق افراد نابینا احترام بگذاریم.

We must respect the rights of blind people.

Modal verb 'bayad' (must) with subjunctive.

این پیاده‌رو برای نابینایان امن نیست.

This sidewalk is not safe for the blind.

Negative adjective 'amn nist'.

نابینایی مانعی برای موفقیت او نبود.

Blindness was not a barrier to his success.

Abstract noun 'nabinayi' used as a subject.

دولت باید امکانات بیشتری برای نابینایان فراهم کند.

The government should provide more facilities for the blind.

Complex sentence with 'bayad' and 'faraham kardan'.

او با وجود اینکه نابینا بود، موسیقی می‌نواخت.

Despite being blind, he played music.

Conjunction 'ba vojud-e inke' (despite the fact that).

تکنولوژی به زندگی افراد نابینا کمک زیادی کرده است.

Technology has helped the lives of blind people a lot.

Present perfect tense 'komak karde ast'.

او در سن ده سالگی نابینا شد.

He became blind at the age of ten.

Change of state verb 'shodan'.

بسیاری از روشندلان در جامعه فعال هستند.

Many 'enlightened-hearted' (blind) people are active in society.

Using the polite synonym 'rowshandel'.

این نرم‌افزار متن را برای نابینایان می‌خواند.

This software reads the text for the blind.

Present continuous sense for habitual action.

آموزش به کودکان نابینا صبر زیادی می‌طلبد.

Teaching blind children requires a lot of patience.

Gerund 'amuzesh' as the subject.

طراحی شهری باید با نیازهای نابینایان سازگار باشد.

Urban design must be compatible with the needs of the blind.

Formal vocabulary like 'sazgar' (compatible).

او به عنوان یک فعال حقوق نابینایان شناخته می‌شود.

He is known as a blind rights activist.

Passive construction 'shenakhte mishavad'.

نابینایی او ناشی از یک بیماری ژنتیکی نادر بود.

His blindness was due to a rare genetic disease.

Phrase 'nashi az' (stemming from).

او توانست بر محدودیت‌های نابینایی خود غلبه کند.

He was able to overcome his blindness limitations.

Compound verb 'ghalabe kardan' (to overcome).

در این مقاله، چالش‌های اشتغال نابینایان بررسی شده است.

In this article, the employment challenges of the blind are examined.

Academic passive 'barresi shode ast'.

او با استفاده از حس بویایی، محیط را بهتر از افراد بینا درک می‌کند.

Using his sense of smell, he perceives the environment better than sighted people.

Comparison between 'nabina' and 'bina'.

این انجمن به توانمندسازی زنان نابینا کمک می‌کند.

This association helps with the empowerment of blind women.

Formal noun 'tavanmandsazi' (empowerment).

برخی معتقدند که هنر می‌تواند پلی برای ارتباط با جهان نابینایان باشد.

Some believe that art can be a bridge to connect with the world of the blind.

Complex clause with 'mo'taghedand ke'.

استعاره‌ی نابینایی در ادبیات کلاسیک پارسی کاربرد فراوان دارد.

The metaphor of blindness is widely used in classical Persian literature.

High-level literary vocabulary 'este'are' and 'karbord'.

او رساله‌ای در باب روان‌شناسی افراد نابینا به رشته تحریر درآورد.

He authored a treatise on the psychology of blind individuals.

Formal idiom 'be reshte-ye tahrir dar-avardan' (to write/author).

فقدان بینایی لزوماً به معنای فقدان بصیرت نیست.

Lack of sight does not necessarily mean lack of insight.

Philosophical distinction between 'binayi' and 'basirat'.

سیاست‌های کلان کشور باید در جهت ادغام اجتماعی نابینایان سوق یابد.

The country's macro policies should move towards the social integration of the blind.

Complex administrative language 'edgham-e ejtema'i'.

در این فیلم، کارگردان با ظرافت به دنیای درونی یک فرد نابینا می‌پردازد.

In this film, the director delicately addresses the inner world of a blind person.

Nuanced verb 'pardakhtan be' (to address/deal with).

تأثیرات روانی نابینایی ناگهانی بر بزرگسالان بسیار عمیق است.

The psychological effects of sudden blindness on adults are very profound.

Adjective 'nagahani' (sudden) qualifying 'nabinayi'.

او در تلاش است تا خط بریل را با فونت‌های جدید برای نابینایان بهینه کند.

He is striving to optimize Braille with new fonts for the blind.

Modern technical verb 'behine kardan' (to optimize).

تبعیض علیه نابینایان در بازار کار، نقض آشکار حقوق بشر است.

Discrimination against the blind in the labor market is a clear violation of human rights.

Legal terminology 'tab'iz' and 'naghz-e ashkār'.

تحلیل هرمنوتیک متون مربوط به نابینایان، لایه‌های پنهان معنا را آشکار می‌سازد.

Hermeneutic analysis of texts related to the blind reveals hidden layers of meaning.

Advanced academic jargon 'hermenutik'.

او با تکیه بر ادراک حسی جایگزین، مرزهای توانمندی نابینایان را جابجا کرد.

Relying on alternative sensory perception, he pushed the boundaries of blind capability.

Metaphorical expression 'marz-ha ra jabaja kardan'.

پارادوکس نابینایی و بینایی در اشعار عطار، بن‌مایه‌ای عرفانی دارد.

The paradox of blindness and sight in Attar's poems has a mystical motif.

Literary analysis terms 'paradoks' and 'bon-maye'.

تدوین پروتکل‌های اخلاقی در پژوهش‌های مرتبط با نابینایان الزامی است.

The formulation of ethical protocols in research related to the blind is mandatory.

Formal administrative verb 'tadvin' (formulation).

ویژگی‌های آکوستیک محیط برای جهت‌یابی نابینایان حیاتی تلقی می‌شود.

The acoustic characteristics of the environment are considered vital for the orientation of the blind.

Scientific terminology 'akustik' and 'jahat-yabi'.

انعطاف‌پذیری عصبی در مغز افراد نابینا، موضوعی جذاب برای علوم اعصاب است.

Neuroplasticity in the brains of blind individuals is a fascinating subject for neuroscience.

Scientific term 'en'tefāgh-paziri-ye asabi'.

او با رویکردی پدیدارشناسانه به بررسی تجربه زیسته نابینایان پرداخت.

He examined the lived experience of the blind with a phenomenological approach.

Advanced philosophical term 'padidarshenasane'.

تعهد به شمولیت اجتماعی، مستلزم بازنگری در ساختارهای حمایتی از نابینایان است.

Commitment to social inclusion requires a review of support structures for the blind.

High-level political/social vocabulary 'shomuliyat'.

Common Collocations

عصای سفید

خط بریل

مادرزادی

سگ راهنما

حقوق نابینایان

کتاب صوتی

نرم‌افزار صفحه‌خوان

توانبخشی

محدودیت‌های فیزیکی

جامعه نابینایان

Common Phrases

از بدو تولد نابینا

— Blind from the moment of birth.

او از بدو تولد نابینا بود.

نابینای موقت

— Temporarily blind (e.g., after surgery).

او دچار نابینایی موقت شد.

انجمن نابینایان

— The Association of the Blind.

من به انجمن نابینایان پول دادم.

دنیای نابینایان

— The world/experience of blind people.

دنیای نابینایان پر از صداست.

امکانات برای نابینایان

— Facilities for the blind.

این هتل امکانات برای نابینایان دارد.

آموزش نابینایان

— Education for the blind.

او در بخش آموزش نابینایان کار می‌کند.

نابینا و ناشنوا

— Blind and deaf.

هلن کلر نابینا و ناشنوا بود.

کمک به نابینا

— Helping a blind person.

کمک به نابینا ثواب دارد.

مسیر نابینایان

— The path for the blind (tactile paving).

روی مسیر نابینایان پارک نکنید.

روز جهانی نابینایان

— World Blind Day (White Cane Day).

امروز روز جهانی نابینایان است.

Often Confused With

نابینا vs ناشنوا

Means 'deaf'. Both start with 'na-' and end with '-a', but the middle root is different ('shnav' vs 'bin').

نابینا vs ناخوانا

Means 'unreadable'. Often used for bad handwriting, not for people.

نابینا vs ناپیدا

Means 'invisible' or 'hidden', not 'blind'.

Idioms & Expressions

"عشق کور است"

— Love is blind. Uses 'kur' but relates to the concept.

می‌گویند عشق کور است.

Common

"گره کور"

— A problem that cannot be solved easily.

این مشکل به یک گره کور تبدیل شده است.

Common

"موش کور"

— A mole (animal), or someone who is oblivious.

مثل موش کور در تاریکی زندگی می‌کند.

Metaphorical

"کورکورانه"

— Blindly (doing something without thinking).

او کورکورانه از رئیسش اطاعت می‌کند.

Common

"چشم بسته"

— With closed eyes (similar to blindly).

من این راه را چشم بسته می‌روم.

Informal

"تیر در تاریکی"

— A shot in the dark (acting blindly).

حرف او فقط یک تیر در تاریکی بود.

Common

"کور شدن چشم حقیقت"

— The eye of truth becoming blind (ignoring reality).

پول باعث شد چشم حقیقت برای او کور شود.

Literary

"کور کردن ذهن"

— To blind the mind (preventing clear thought).

تعصب ذهن را کور می‌کند.

Formal

"عصای دست کسی بودن"

— To be someone's cane (to be their indispensable helper).

پسرم عصای دست من در پیری است.

Common

"یک کور و یک دور"

— One blind and one far (referring to a mismatched or difficult situation).

داستان ما شده یک کور و یک دور.

Proverbial

Easily Confused

نابینا vs کور

Both mean blind.

Kur is older and can be rude; Nabina is modern and polite.

او نابینا است (Polite). مگر کوری؟ (Rude).

نابینا vs کم‌بینا

Both relate to vision loss.

Kambina is partial vision; Nabina is total blindness.

او کم‌بینا است و عینک می‌زند.

نابینا vs شب‌کور

Contains the root for blind.

Shab-kur specifically means night-blindness.

او در شب نمی‌بیند چون شب‌کور است.

نابینا vs خیره

Relates to eyes.

Khire means staring or being dazzled, not being blind.

او به من خیره شد.

نابینا vs بی‌بصیرت

Relates to sight.

This means lacking wisdom or insight, not physical sight.

دشمن بی‌بصیرت است.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [nabina] [ast].

او نابینا است.

[Noun] + e + [nabina].

پسر نابینا.

[nabinayan] az [Tool] estefade mikonand.

نابینایان از عصا استفاده می‌کنند.

Ba vojud-e [nabinayi], [Subject] [Verb].

با وجود نابینایی، او موفق شد.

[Abstract Noun] baraye [nabinayan] [Adjective] ast.

دسترسی برای نابینایان حیاتی است.

[Concept] dar jahan-e [nabinayan] [Verb].

ادراک در جهان نابینایان تفاوت دارد.

U dar asar-e [Reason] nabina shod.

او در اثر بیماری نابینا شد.

In [Object] baraye [nabinayan] ast.

این کتاب برای نابینایان است.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in social, medical, and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

U yek kur ast. → U nabina ast.
Using 'kur' can be seen as insensitive or rude in modern Persian.
Nabinayanha be komak niaz darand. → Nabinayan be komak niaz darand.
Don't double pluralize. '-an' is already plural; don't add '-ha'.
U nabinayi ast. → U nabina ast.
Nabinayi is the noun 'blindness'. You cannot say 'He is blindness'.
Marde nabina ketab mikhanad. → Marde nabina ketab-e Berayl mikhanad.
Adding context like 'Braille' makes the sentence more logical and advanced.
Bi-bin baraye nabina. → Na-bina.
The prefix 'bi-' is not used with the root 'bin' to mean blind.

Tips

Plural Buffer

When pluralizing 'nabina' to 'nabinayan', don't forget the 'y'. It's a common spelling mistake for learners.

Politeness Matters

In Iran, being polite about disabilities is very important. Always choose 'nabina' over 'kur' to avoid sounding uneducated.

Prefix Power

Learn 'na-' as a general negation prefix. It will help you understand words like 'na-shnavā' (deaf) and 'na-tavān' (weak) instantly.

Final Stress

Ensure the stress is on the last syllable. This makes your Persian sound much more native and rhythmic.

Signage Recognition

Look for the word 'نابینایان' in yellow tactile paths in the Tehran Metro. It's a great way to see the word in the real world.

Listen for the 'i'

Pay attention to whether the word ends in 'a' (the person) or 'ayi' (the condition). This changes the grammar of the sentence.

Ezafe Usage

Remember the Ezafe 'ye' after 'nabina' when it's followed by another adjective, like 'nabina-ye ba-estedad' (talented blind person).

Root Association

Connect 'bin' to 'binayi' (sight) and 'didan' (to see). Building a root family helps long-term retention.

Empowerment

When talking about the blind, using terms like 'tavanmandsazi' (empowerment) shows you are familiar with modern social discourse.

Metaphorical Caution

Stick to literal meanings for 'nabina'. Use 'kur' for idioms like 'love is blind' to sound more natural.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'NA' as 'NO' and 'BINA' as 'BEING ABLE TO SEE'. NO-SEEING = NABINA.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of glasses with a large red 'X' (NA) over them, and the word 'BINA' (vision) underneath.

Word Web

Vision Eye Cane Darkness Braille Insight Light Respect

Challenge

Try to find three public signs in a Persian-speaking city (or online) that use the word 'nabinayan' and translate the full message.

Word Origin

Persian origin. It is a modern construction using Middle Persian roots. The prefix 'nā-' comes from Old Persian 'na-' (not).

Original meaning: Literally 'un-seeing' or 'one who does not possess the faculty of sight'.

Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Iranian -> West Iranian -> New Persian.

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'kur' when talking to a blind person directly. Use 'nabina' or 'rowshandel' to show you are a culturally aware speaker.

In English, the term 'blind' is standard but 'visually impaired' is often preferred in professional settings. Similarly, Persian uses 'nabina' as the standard and 'rowshandel' as the polite alternative.

The movie 'The Color of Paradise' (Rang-e Khoda) about a blind boy. Rudaki, the 'Father of Persian Poetry', who was blind. The Blind Owl (Boof-e Koor) by Sadegh Hedayat (uses the older term 'Koor').

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical Clinic

بیمار نابینا است
تست بینایی
نابینایی مادرزادی
درمان نابینایی

Public Transport

مسیر ویژه نابینایان
اعلام صوتی ایستگاه
کمک به مسافر نابینا
صندلی مخصوص

Library

کتاب‌های بریل
بخش نابینایان
کتاب صوتی
امانت گرفتن

Human Rights

حقوق نابینایان
برابری فرصت‌ها
ادغام در جامعه
قانون حمایت

School

آموزش استثنایی
معلم نابینایان
وسایل آموزشی
مدرسه نابینایان

Conversation Starters

"آیا در شهر شما امکانات خوبی برای نابینایان وجود دارد؟"

"چگونه می‌توانیم به افراد نابینا در خیابان کمک کنیم؟"

"آیا تا به حال کتابی درباره زندگی یک فرد نابینا خوانده‌اید؟"

"به نظر شما تکنولوژی چگونه زندگی نابینایان را تغییر داده است؟"

"آیا با خط بریل آشنایی دارید؟"

Journal Prompts

تصور کنید یک روز را به صورت نابینا سپری می‌کنید. چه چالش‌هایی خواهید داشت؟

درباره اهمیت احترام به حقوق افراد نابینا در جامعه بنویسید.

نقش سگ‌های راهنما در زندگی نابینایان را توصیف کنید.

چرا کلمه 'روشندل' جایگزین زیبایی برای 'نابینا' است؟

چگونه می‌توان شهرها را برای نابینایان امن‌تر کرد؟

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can use 'nabina' for animals, but 'kur' is also very common and not offensive when applied to animals (e.g., mush-e kur).

The most polite way is 'rowshandel', but 'nabina' is perfectly acceptable and respectful in all official and daily contexts.

You say 'nabinayi' (نابینایی). You add the '-i' suffix to the adjective.

No, it is an adjective. To express the action, use 'nabina kardan' (to blind) or 'nabina shodan' (to become blind).

Yes, 'nabinayan' is the formal plural used in writing and speeches, while 'nabinaha' is the informal plural used in conversation.

The term is 'kur-rangi' (کوررنگی). Interestingly, 'kur' is used here instead of 'nabina'.

It is called 'asa-ye sefid' (عصای سفید).

Yes, it is called 'khat-e Berayl' (خط بریل) and is used in all schools for the blind.

No, for 'blind alley' or 'dead end', Persian uses 'bon-bast' (بن‌بست).

Rarely. Usually 'nadan' or 'bi-khabar' is used for ignorance. 'Nabina' is almost always literal.